Poker Prodigy

If you know me well, you know I love to play poker. If you don't know me well, then you should know, I LOVE TO PLAY POKER. I have been playing cards since I was a kid. Thanks to my wonderful Grandparents, who let me sit with them as they played nightly games at their cabin with friends, I learned games like Texas Hold 'Em, Omaha, Stud, 5-Card Draw, and wilder games like Chicago, Dueces Wild, and many others at a young age.

I not only had the chance to see my grandma smile broadly as she raked in a pile of chips, but we were taught card etiquette from the beginning. I was probably no older than 5 when I received my first poker lesson. "Always cut the cards toward the dealer!" -Grandpa Clifford. :)

I was reading my favorite blog this morning (http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/) and she was talking about her father and how he is an eternal supporter of his children. It reminded me of my father and how truly blessed I have been to have the parents I do. They support my sisters and I and are our biggest cheerleaders. As I was reflecting and smiling to myself at the love and support they have given me over my 31 years, I thought I'd share one of my favorite stories about one of my favorite people (my father). The story covers one of my favorite hobbies (yes that's right, I LOVE POKER!), too.

A few years ago, I was playing in a poker tournament at a local casino, my father was also playing. He was put out just before the final table and decided to stick around and cheer on his eldest daughter. As the tournament ended, and I collected my profits, yes I finished in 1st place, I turned to my dad who was glowing with pride. Now keep in mind this isn't a world series of poker win and my cash winnings were probably not anything more than $400, but he was proud all the same.

Later that day, I was talking to my mom and she started to laugh as she relayed a conversation she had with my father. It went something like this.

Dad: "You know Marilyn, you've never gone to watch her play."
Mom: "Watch who? play what?"
Dad: "Kristin, play poker. She got 1st today, ya know?"
Mom: "Oh that's great! I guess I didn't realize it was a spectator sport." (she said in a joking manner, my father was totally serious)

Side note-My youngest sister is a gifted athlete and my family traveled far and wide when she was growing up to watch her play fastpitch. My father was (and is) her #1 fan. I tell you that because to him my poker playing is just like my sister playing fastpitch (which is an actual spectator sport). To him, I am the Bobby Fisher of poker. P.S. I am not the Poker Prodigy. :)

My mom and I laugh about it still. Not because we are making fun of him, but because he is truly proud of us in all our successes, even the fact that I can take down a pot here and there. I attached a picture of my dad and I after I finished 8th in a large poker tournament this year. He stood and watched me for 8 hours as I moved closer and closer to the final table. P.S. I lasted about 10 minutes at the final table and enjoyed every single second.

THANK YOU DAD!

dang spell check...

of course when I said one below as in Milli had one...it should have said won! Darn...gammar 1 point, Kristin 0.

"Here's the Deal!"

Milli has a charming ;) new phase that just kills me everything she says it. She is so certain in herself (developed over time) that when she says something this serious you take notice. The other day we had gotten home from daycare and work and I was explaining to Milli that we needed to pick up things around the house, before we dove into another project. As I continued to explain what needed to be done, Milli came up to me very serious like and look me straight in the eye and said, "Okay Mom, Here's the Deal! I will take a bath and then play. I will not clean." Of course, I know I should have corrected her at that very moment and explain that when Mom and Dad ask her to do something, there is no discussion, she simply needs to follow directions. Of course, I almost fell to the ground laughing (losing all credibility). Instead of using this as a teaching moment, I scooped her up in my arms and told her how funny I thought she was. She looked at me with a knowing smile that she had one this round. If you are keeping track, that is 1 point for Milli, 0 for me. Attached you will see what we did instead. My New Year's Resolution...There should be more fun in 2010...so here is our attempt at adding "pure joy" to an ordinary night. Love, Kristin